(Sheikh Muhammed bin Abdullah Subayyil (rahimahullah), who served as Imaam and Khateeb of Musjidul Haraam in Makkah Mukarramah for thirty years, left this world on Monday 4th Safar 1434 A.H. The Shaikh visited South Africa in 1994 and attended the Annual Jalsah of Madrasah Ta’leemuddeen. Hereunder is a summary of the deeply inspiring talk which he delivered.)
All praise is due to Allah Ta’ala and salutations be upon His beloved Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wasallam). I am extremely pleased to gather here on this auspicious occasion with my brothers in Islam. This is the gathering of Da’wah, knowledge and the dissemination of this knowledge.
Knowledge is indeed greatly superior since Allah Ta’ala extolled the Ulama in the words: “Allah raises the Believers among you and elevates the people of knowledge to great ranks.” The people of knowledge are those who guide mankind to the Straight Path – the path that leads to Jannah. The Ulama are thus the “Nur” (light) of the land. They illuminate it wherever they go just as we witness it in this land of yours. May Allah Ta’ala cause Islam to spread to an even greater extent in this land by means of these Du’aat (inviters towards Allah Ta’ala).
These Du’aat are following the directive of Allah Ta’ala. Allah Ta’ala instructed Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) thus: “Say! This is my path. I invite towards Allah Ta’ala with confidence. I do so and those who follow me.”…. This path is the path of calling towards Allah Ta’ala and towards the true Deen. The Daa’ee (inviter) calls towards Allah Ta’ala with the knowledge that Allah Ta’ala has revealed in the Holy Quran. About this knowledge Allah Ta’ala says: “The book which we revealed upon them so that they may ponder over its verses and so that the intelligent may take heed.” Hence Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) is informing the Ummah that this is his path. Likewise every person whose intention is sincere will tread on this path – the path of Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam). He will thus invite towards Allah Ta’ala with knowledge and confidence.
This duty is not restricted to any one group. It applies to every person who has followed the path of Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) and accepted his guidance. The one who is most deserving to be called the follower of Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) and the one closest to him is that person who adheres to what has been revealed to Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) in the Holy Quran and to his Sunnah.
The first recipients of this Quran were the Arabs. While they were honoured with this, a great responsibility was also placed upon them. Allah Ta’ala says: “And verily it is a remembrance for you and your nation, and soon they will be questioned.” The Arabs will be questioned with regard to this responsibility of propagating the message of the Quran. Hence Allah Ta’ala also cautions them that “If you turn away He will replace you with another nation. Then they will not be like you.” Hence O Arabs, this is an honour for you if you fulfil its responsibility. If you do not do so then Allah Ta’ala will raise another nation who will be better than you in inviting towards His Deen.
This has been openly witnessed. Allah Ta’ala has strengthened Islam greatly with non-Arabs. We find that most of the great works of Tafsir, Hadith and commentaries of Hadith have been compiled by non-Arabs. They were people who followed the Deen of Allah Ta’ala and the Sunnah of Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam). Hence Allah Ta’ala granted them knowledge as well as the ability to practice upon it. Hence he used them to benefit mankind greatly. You are also aware of the great Ulama of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Khurasan, etc. We regard these personalities as our leaders and we pray to Allah Ta’ala to resurrect us with them in Jannah.
Hence whoever has been blessed with Islam, he should invite towards the Deen of Allah Ta’ala and the Sunnah of Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam).
Da’wah takes place by means of speech. However it also takes place to a greater extent by means of action. People accepted the invitation of Islam after they became attracted towards the good actions, noble qualities and humility of those who invited them. This was the manner of Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam). He was extremely kind and tolerant, even towards those who were rude. He would then invite them towards Islam and they would accept. Hence it is necessary to adopt love, kindness and gentleness in the course of inviting towards Allah Ta’ala. If people are invited with kindness they will accept. Harshness will only drive the people away.
It is also necessary, especially in these countries, that one should adorn oneself with the qualities of a true Believer. He should apply all the commands of Deen upon himself. This includes being punctual upon Salaah with Jama’ah (congregation). One should refrain from all sins and transgression. One should refrain from disobedience, adultery, drinking, stealing, transacting in interest, lying, backbiting, deceiving, not paying people their dues – even if they be non-Muslims. He should deal with compassion and kindness. Likewise he should fulfil his promises. These are the qualities of a Believer. When one will adorn oneself with these qualities, he will be loved by the people. Hence this will attract them to Islam and they will eventually accept it. Many of the countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, etc. were not conquered by Mujahideen. Islam spread in these countries by means of traders who were steadfast on Deen. Hence the people loved them and enquired from them about their religion. Thus they entered into the fold of Islam.
Therefore it is necessary for the Daa’ee to adopt these qualities. We thank Allah Ta’ala that he granted the Tabligh Jama’ah the tawfeeq to adopt this noble method. They approach people with love and kindness. Hence we find that, due to their efforts, great benefit has been achieved throughout the world. We beseech Allah Ta’ala to grant them the ability to continue with this good work and may He make all their actions solely for Himself. May they remain steadfast on this noble Da’wah in which there is great benefit for Islam and the believers, insha-Allah.
Likewise disseminating knowledge by means of establishing Madrasahs and teaching the people is of fundamental importance so that the Daa’ee could invite with full knowledge. When a student would graduate from this Madrasah, or any other Madrasah, after he has gained sound knowledge, he would now invite with confidence. Hence his Da’wah would be more beneficial. This was the path of Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam).
We beseech Allah Ta’ala to grant us all beneficial knowledge and the ability to do good deeds and make us inviters towards his Deen.